24 Sep 2015

From Strip to Chip: Everything You Need to Know About the New Generation of Payment Cards

By Steve Burke
By Nathaniel Sillin

If you've received a replacement for your credit or debit cards in the mail lately, take a closer look. That little gold chip on the front is going to make it tougher for thieves to steal your data.

By year-end 2015, Visa estimates that 63 percent of cards in American wallets will feature this new technology (www.VisaChip.com) aimed at derailing counterfeit fraud. The new chip adds a unique, one-time code that changes every time you use your card to make an in-store payment. That automatic security code change makes your data nearly impossible to use to create a counterfeit card.

Counterfeit or "cloned" cards account for about two-thirds of in-store fraud to the tune of $3 billion, according to Boston-based research firm Aite Group. The transition to chip cards is expected to be nearly complete by year-end 2017.

You'll see very slight differences in using these cards. First, you'll need to insert a chip card into a new slot on built for chip cards and keep it there until your purchase is complete. You won't have to swipe traditional magnetic strip on the back anymore. You will still be able to sign, enter a PIN or just pay-and-go for everyday transactions as before. Just remember to take your card with you when the transaction is complete.

However, if you are currently using an old but unexpired card or if the business where you're doing a transaction doesn't have the upgraded chip card equipment, don't panic. The strip on the back of your card will continue to work with all card terminals for the foreseeable future.

For merchants - the collective name for the stores, restaurants and other businesses where you use credit and debit cards every day - the transition to chip cards is moving along as well. According to a recent survey by Visa, approximately 90 percent of business owners are aware of chip technology and about 70 percent have already upgraded their equipment or have plans to do so. Current estimates show that 47 percent of U.S. terminals will be able to read chip cards by the end of the year.

There's one more incentive for all businesses to get on board with chip card technology: Starting October 1, liability for some counterfeit fraud may shift from the card-issuing financial institutions to retailers unless they are able to accept and process chip card transactions.

For merchants, processing chip transactions will likely involve a hardware or software upgrade somewhat similar to upgrading a cellphone contract. In many cases, the terminal will be included in the cost of the service. About a third of merchant terminals are already chip card-capable and just need a software update to fully function.

For the smallest businesses, some low-cost options for upgrading card acceptance terminals can cost $100 or less. Square https://squareup.com/contactless-chip-reader, for example, recently announced a new $49 card reader that accepts chip cards as well as mobile payments and they're giving away 250,000 of them to small business customers at no cost.

If you travel overseas regularly, you've probably already seen chip card technology in action. It's based on a global standard called EMV and is already at work in countries moving to cashless options for private and public goods and services.

One final note. While you're waiting for your new chip cards, you'll still be able to use your current strip-based credit cards in new machines under their zero liability fraud protection rules. However, debit card security rules are different, so it is best to check with your bank on their guidelines so you know your funds are secure.

Bottom line: The move from strip to chip cards will create a more secure environment for credit and debit card users. However, consumers will still need to keep their cards safe and confirm the accuracy of all their spending data.

24 Sep 2015

"Relentless" RICK MONROE Joins Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Country Concert Series 2015

By Rick Martin

Brand Ambassador / Emcee For Seventh Consecutive Year To Open For Grammy Award Nominee At Upcoming Show @ Davenport's Adler Theatre On 10/24

 

Nashville, TN (Sept 21 2015) -- Singer/songwriter and relentless performer RICK MONROE joins Grammy Award nominee Lee Brice for the Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Country Concert Series 2015.  Monroe will act as the brand ambassador and emcee and will open the multi-city tour that runs September 11 through October 24.  This is the seventh consecutive year of Monroe's participation; no other artist has enjoyed as long a run on the Tour. Joining them at the show will be some of today's hottest up-and-coming stars.

Monroe may be among the brightest of those stars, although he would never admit it.  The high-energy entertainer has headlined his own tours and taken his unique brand of Country to Russia and China, as well as Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Hungary, Honduras, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bahamas, Germany, England, Netherlands and Switzerland.  Monroe was also honored to sing the U.S. National Anthem at the five-year anniversary of the re-opening of diplomatic relations between America and Vietnam; the first time in over 25 years that the Anthem had been sung at a public event in Vietnam.  Additionally, Rick entertained the former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, at a Command Performance on the USS Sequoia Presidential Yacht in Washington, D.C.  Over the years, Monroe's shared the stage with a "Who's Who" of musical greats, including Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Josh Thompson, Pat Green, Charlie Daniels Band, Dwight Yoakam, Montgomery Gentry and Aaron Lewis.

Rick's current single "Great Minds Drink Alike" is rising on both the Billboard Indicator and MusicRow charts, and follows his 2014 Billboard Top 50 hit, "Fires Out." The track is from his current EP, IT'S A LOVE THING.

 

ABOUT JÄGERMEISTER

Jägermeister, which translates to "master hunter," is the #1 selling imported liqueur in the United States and one of the top shot brands in the world.  The full-bodied flavor of Jägermeister, which includes cinnamon, star anise, ginger and cardamom, is a result of a lengthy maceration to extract aromatic compounds from a closely guarded recipe of 56 herbs, roots, blossoms and fruits, plus aging in oak casks for one year.  The production process is exacting and includes sourcing the ingredients in their raw, unprocessed form, along with 383 quality checks to ensure its iconic taste profile.  Jägermeister Liqueur is 35% Alc. /Vol. and imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY.  JÄGERMEISTER IS DEDICATED TO MUSIC, NOT UNDERAGE DRINKING.

Follow the Tour and stay social with Rick:
RickMonroe.com
Facebook.com/RickMonroeOfficial
Twitter: @RickMonroe

 

# # #
23 Sep 2015

Gordon Kellenberger's Annual Oktoberfest Show

By Catiri's Art Oasis
Catiri's Art Oasis presents:

The long awaited featured show is almost here!! 
October 2nd from 4pm to 6pm Gordon Kellenberger will be presenting his latest works! 
This is a great time to collect a Kellenberger or add to your collection!!  With over 20 new artworks, it is a great way to bring in fall and kick of Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest!!
Prosit!!

Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest

October 2nd-4th 2015
It is sure to be a great time for all!!

For more information click here.
23 Sep 2015

Administration Reaches Deal Over Botched Lottery Management Contract

By Catherine Kelly

Agreement saves taxpayers $22 million instantly; Northstar fully terminated as private manager of the Illinois Lottery

 

CHICAGO - The Administration of Governor Bruce Rauner announced today it has reached a termination agreement with Northstar Lottery Group, LLC and its parent companies as the private manager of the Illinois Lottery.

"This deal is an instant win for taxpayers because it immediately saves them $22 million," General Counsel Jason Barclay said. "In addition, it releases taxpayers from the eleventh-hour deal former Governor Quinn signed on his way out the door."

The new agreement fully terminates Northstar as the private manager of the Illinois Lottery as of January 1, 2017 or until a new private manager is selected. In addition, it also allows the new manager to select its own suppliers. Under the former agreement with the previous Administration, the new manager would have been forced to give Northstar's parent companies, GTech and Scientific Games, option rights, which would have significantly limited competition.

"This is a new day for the Illinois Lottery," Acting Director B.R. Lane said. "This agreement will save the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while allowing the Lottery to select a new partner that will help the agency grow and better serve its customers."

The State will begin the search for a new private manager immediately.
23 Sep 2015

WTTW PBS Chicago -- Kosciuszko: A Man Ahead of His Time

By WTTW
A Documentary Film Narrated by Blair Underwood
Written and Directed by Alex Storozynski
Executive Producer Eve Krzyzanowski
Based on the Book
There are more statutes of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in America than any historical figure except for George Washington. Every day, millions of New York TV and radio listeners hear about traffic jams on the Kosciuszko Bridge. Yet few know about this Revolutionary War hero and champion of human rights.
The Polish hero Kosciuszko gave his salary from the American Revolution to Thomas Jefferson and told him to buy slaves - and free them.  Kosciuszko fought for the rights of serfs, slaves, Jews, Native-Americans and women.
A military strategist, Kosciuszko's plan won the Battle of Saratoga - the turning point of the war.  He also built Fortress West Point, which Benedict Arnold tried to sell to the British in the most infamous act of treason in American history. When Kosciuszko spoke up for Native Americans, Chief Little Turtle gave him a peace pipe/tomahawk.
In 1791, when Poland passed the first democratic Constitution in Europe, Russian, Austrian and Prussian monarchs sent armies to crush this new democracy.  Kosciuszko led an army against the invaders to fight for rights for peasants, burghers and Jews.
His ally Berek Joselewicz, formed the first wholly Jewish military unit since biblical times and called Kosciuszko "a messenger from God."  Muslims, and even a black man named Jean Lapierre traveled to Poland to join Kosciuszko's multicultural revolution.
In his quest for liberty, Kosciuszko worked with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the French Revolutionaries while struggling against the tyranny of Russia's Catherine the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte.  Napoleon called Kosciuszko "the hero of the North," and Russian Czarina Catherine offered a reward for anyone who could capture him "dead or alive."
Jefferson called, Kosciuszko "as pure a son of liberty, as I have ever known."
With a moving narration by Blair Underwood, the story is told through reenactments at West Point, Saratoga, Philadelphia, and Poland, along with dramatic readings by screen actors such as Olek Krupa.
It includes interviews with experts such as Former U.S. National Security Advisor Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, UCLA Prof. Gary Nash, Purdue Prof. James Pula, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Alex Storozynski.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a prince of tolerance whose principles still resonate today.
Stay Tuned, more PBS stations to be announced soon.
To learn more about Polish culture:
23 Sep 2015

The 21st Annual Quad Cities Prayer Breakfast 8:00 AM * Saturday, September 26th

By New Anthem

The RiverCenter

136 East 3rd Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801

 

Featuring:

Singer/Speaker/Gospel Recording Artis Guy Penrod

Also sharing his testimony: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

Tickets: $18 Single, $96 Table of Eight

Visit the website to order tickets: Click Here!

Breakfast starts serving at 7:00 AM; the program is 8:00 to 10:00 AM.

For more information, call 563-322-7777

Brought to us by: Thy Kingdom Come Ministries

23 Sep 2015

Smiddy Urges Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to safely dispose of old prescription medication at local drop-off sites as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26.
"Old medications left in the medicine cabinet too often become dangerous in the hands of young people," Smiddy said. "To ensure everyone has a safe place to dispose of old prescriptions, local law enforcement is providing free locations in our community to dispose of unused medications as part of this nation-wide event."
Smiddy is encouraging constituents to bring unused or leftover medications to any of the area locations listed in the table below. The collection drives are being held as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The goal is to provide locations across the country for the safe and responsible disposal of prescription medication. For information on other collection sites, visit dea.gov or contact the DEA's Office of Diversion Control at 800-882-9539.
Smiddy is promoting the take-back day as part of his effort to reduce dangerous drugs in the community. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported a comprehensive approach to preventing drug abuse by expanding access to life-saving treatments, monitoring the distribution of commonly abused prescription medications and promoting drug take-back programs throughout the state.
"Many medications that are critical to healing and recovery in medical settings are dangerous and habit-forming when not disposed of correctly," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to work in Springfield to prevent the spread of dangerous drug, but I also want to ensure people in the community have access to the all the resources at their disposal to keep us safe."
23 Sep 2015

"The Best is Yet to Come" Birthday Concert at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, October 1st, featuring Smith Studio Jazz

By Rick Martin

The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts will be celebrating its 4th birthday in style this year with a special concert by Smith Studio Jazz and several guest performers.  The concert takes place Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 PM, and will be followed by an on-stage reception.  Tickets are $25 each, and are available through the CCPA Box Office at 319-248-9370, and online at www.coralvillearts.org.

The concert will include hit tunes from the Big Bands of the 50s & 60s performed by Smith Studio Jazz and favorite guest artists.  Guest performers include Christopher Okiishi representing City Circle Acting Company, Meredith Lamb representing the Young Footliters Youth Theatre, and members of the CCPA staff.

According to CCPA Managing Director Evan Hilsabeck, "We're thrilled to welcome friends far and near to this fourth birthday celebration! It's a night celebrating the patrons, artists, supporters, staff, and friends who make the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts possible. Come for the music, stay for the birthday cake!"

Following the concert, everyone is invited onstage for food and drinks - after all, it is a birthday party!

23 Sep 2015

U.S. and Chinese governors convene for collaboration on clean technology and economic development

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Five U.S. governors, six Chinese governors and officials of both countries will meet at a forum on Tuesday afternoon in Seattle and will later meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss opportunities for collaboration on clean technology and economic development.

Participants in the Third U.S.-China Governors' Forum will discuss areas of shared interest and mutual benefit, such as the promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industries, commercialization and deployment of clean and renewable energy technologies, smart and modernized electrical grids, clean transportation options and more. This dialogue grows out of ongoing collaborations between each nation's national and subnational leaders to accelerate the development of clean energy economies and more.

The bipartisan group of U.S. governors includes Governor Jerry Brown (D-California), Governor Rick Snyder (R-Michigan), Governor Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), and Governor Kate Brown (D-Oregon). Governor Jay Inslee (D-Washington), who will be hosting Chinese President Xi at a separate event during the same time, will attend a portion of the meeting.

Chinese governors in attendance will be Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Dongming, Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun, Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan, Zhejiang Governor Li Qiang, Shandong Governor Guo Shuqing, and Shaanxi Governor Lou Qinjian.

The president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Madame Li Xiaolin, will provide opening remarks, as co-host of the forum. California Governor Brown and Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Dongming will co-chair the forum. Officials from the U.S and Chinese national governments and the National Governors Association are also expected to be in attendance.

Later on Tuesday, the governors will meet privately with President Xi.

This event is only open to a limited pool of credentialed reporters. An updated advisory with contact information will be sent prior to the forum.

###
23 Sep 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office Sept. 21, 2015

By Grassley Press

More access to opioid addiction treatment medicine

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today made the following comment on the federal Department of Health and Human Services' announcement that it will expand doctors' access to buprenorphine, a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction.  Grassley and four fellow senators urged this step in a letter last year.

"Ideally, people wouldn't get addicted to opioids in the first place.  Steps to cut down on the over-prescribing of prescription opioids and reduce the supply of illicit drugs such as heroin are critical.  But for those struggling with addiction, public policy ought to reflect the latest in modern medicine.  Buprenorphine has the potential to help people, and allowing doctors to treat more people with it is a good step.  My colleagues and I urged HHS to do this in a letter last year."

###

Inspector General: State "Not Well-Positioned" to Hold Staff Accountable for Human Trafficking Violations by Staff

Report Follows Revelation of Sex Abuses of Housekeeper by Diplomat, Husband

 

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is raising concerns about the State Department's commitment to holding itself to the same anti-human trafficking standards that it applies to other nations.  The concerns stem from whistleblower allegations, court records and a recent State Department Inspector General report asserting that the Department is not well-positioned to hold employees accountable for human trafficking violations or to ensure that policies and requirements regarding human trafficking are followed.

In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Grassley detailed court records indicating that a U.S. diplomat working in Japan was able to keep her employment with the State Department even after her former housekeeper reported that the diplomat and her husband kidnapped and repeatedly raped her in 2008. They were later found liable in federal court for involuntary servitude, forced labor and trafficking in violation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, among other charges.

A separate 2014 Inspector General report found that the State Department internal investigations into human trafficking violations by staff during former Secretary Clinton's tenure were tainted with the appearance of undue influence and favoritism by Department leaders and management.

The 2008 housekeeper case, along with the other whistleblower allegations, the 2014 Inspector General report and yesterday's findings, raises serious questions about the State Department's efforts to prevent human trafficking abuses by its own staff who represent the United States abroad. The State Department issues an annual Trafficking in Persons Report that reviews other nations for their efforts to curb human trafficking, and scores them accordingly.

Grassley is seeking more information regarding the Department's investigation of the specific case, including whether the former Secretary or her senior aides were informed of the allegations and investigation. He is also asking why the State Department failed to implement recommendations dating back to 2011, which were intended to improve awareness among employees about anti-human trafficking policies and requirements.

Earlier this year, Grassley led an effort in Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act ? one of his first legislative actions as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Grassley also led 17 lawmakers in calling on the State Department to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for employees who fuel the demand for human trafficking by purchasing sex.

Text of Grassley's letter to Kerry

###

Grassley Questions Legitimacy of DOJ Internal Investigation into Grant Practices; Office Tasked with Review Reportedly Approved Improper Grant Actions

 

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is raising questions about a Justice Department office's ability to be impartial in its investigation into grants practices.  His concern follows new allegations that the office in charge of the internal review not only approved the actions in question, but was also warned of potential impropriety.

The Committee is investigating allegations that the Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs routinely shows favoritism to certain entities when awarding grants instead of using a fair and open competitive process.  For example, according to whistleblowers, the National Institutes of Justice within the Office of Justice Programs allegedly coaches favored entities in the grant application process so they may be awarded grants over other entities that scored higher in the peer-review process. In the past two years, at least $58.6 million in taxpayer-funded grants were awarded allegedly through this improper process. Grants were also allegedly awarded to entities that intentionally circumvented state laws.

Whistleblowers claim that the alleged misconduct was approved by the Office of Justice Program's Office of General Counsel despite multiple notifications that the actions were improper and likely illegal.  This office has since been tasked by Attorney General Loretta Lynch with investigating the allegations, raising questions about the independence of the review.

In a letter to Lynch, Grassley raised questions about the independence of this review and requested an explanation for why the investigation was referred to an office that is also the subject of the allegations. He also asked for records related to the allegations and whether the Department would consider publicizing grant application materials, including peer review scores, rankings and justifications for why grants were awarded, in an effort to increase transparency and promote an atmosphere of open competition.

Text of Grassley's letter

###

Administration Wants 10,000 More Syrian Refugees

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte made the following statement after Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the United States would accept ten thousand additional Syrian refugees on top of the 75,000 worldwide refugees the Secretary announced after a consultation, as required by law, between Kerry and leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to discuss the proposed annual number of refugees the Obama administration planned to admit into the United States.

"ISIS and other terrorist groups have made it abundantly clear that they will use the refugee crisis to try to enter the United States.  Now, the Obama administration wants to bring in an additional ten thousand Syrians without a concrete and foolproof plan to ensure that terrorists won't be able to enter the country.

"The administration has essentially given the American people a 'trust me.'  That isn't good enough."

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